Action star Robin Padilla’s vehemence in favoring the implementation of a mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program cannot get any more palpable.

Padilla took to his social media once again to make known his sentiments. In an Instagram post today, Nov. 28, Padilla shared a photo of ROTC cadets standing in formation, with Article II, section 4, of the Constitution written below.

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“We have to be trained militarily to defend our country,” the picture read. “Support the mandatory ROTC.”

As per Padilla, mandatory ROTC must be done in the Philippines, saying it is the right of Filipinos to protect the motherland during war and calamities.

It was on Nov. 22, during the 35th Founding Anniversary of Army Reserve Command in Cavite, that President Rodrigo Duterte said in his speech that he would issue an executive order (EO), if legally feasible, to require ROTC for Grades 11 and 12.

Duterte called on Congress to expedite the passage of the Reservist Employment Rights Act, which is currently pending in both houses of Congress.

“I likewise encourage [Congress] to enact a law that will require mandatory ROTC for grades 11 and 12 so we can instill patriotism, love of country among our youth,” he said.

Duterte stated that he might be forced to issue an executive order if his calls go unheeded. “I said that this is a constitutional requirement that you must prepare to defend your country.”

Contrary to Duterte’s claims, however, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Nov. 27 stated that a law passed by Congress—not an executive order—was needed to revive the ROTC program and make it mandatory for senior high school students.

“No, the position of the President is Congress should pass a law,” Panelo answered when asked whether an executive order would be issued. “No, because it’s a law. It has to be amended.” /ra

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